RI hosts ASEAN science Olympics

RI hosts ASEAN science Olympics

JAKARTA: Minister of National Education Abdul Malik Fajar
opened on Saturday the ASEAN mathematics and science Olympics for
primary schools, with a call for cooperation among member
countries in improving the quality of education.

"The event is aimed at seeking a quality standard of basic
education, specifically in languages, mathematics and science,"
Malik said.

He said he expected the scientific event would support student
exchange programs among ASEAN countries.

Chairman of the event's organizing committee Indra Jati Sidi
said some 60 fifth-year and sixth-year students from nine ASEAN
countries were participating in the Olympics, the first of its
kind.

The students come from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,
Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The other ASEAN member country, Singapore, is not represented.

During the event, which will run until Oct. 23, participants
will be vying for three gold medals, five silvers and eight
bronzes. -- Antara